Monday, February 20, 2012

Soul Surfer Bethany Hamilton Re-Signs with Rip Curl International

Costa Mesa, USA (February 13, 2012) – Rip Curl International announced today that the surfing brand has happily re-signed Hawaiian professional surfer and long-time team rider Bethany Hamilton. Per company policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Hamilton, who courageously returned to surfing after surviving the loss of her left arm in a 14-foot tiger shark attack while surfing off Kaua'i's North Shore in 2003, is the world's most recognized surfing figure, remaining a source of inspiration to millions of people around the world through her story of survival, faith, determination and hope.

The 22-year old returned to the water a mere month after the attack and has continued to compete in amateur and, more recently, professional surfing contests in the eight years since. Her biggest results include winning the NSSA National Title in 2005 and a second-place finish at the ASP World Junior Championships in 2008.

Out of the water Bethany has shared her story with hundreds of media outlets and has been recognized with numerous awards, public appearances, and a variety of speaking engagements. In October 2004, Bethany released her autobiography entitled Soul Surfer, which was last year made into a major motion picture bearing the same title - starring Anna Sophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood and Lorraine Nicholson, as Bethany's long-time friend and fellow Rip Curl surfer Alana Blanchard.

"2011 was an incredible year for my family and I with the opportunity to share our story through Soul Surfer," said Hamilton. "It was exciting, adventurous, challenging and left us with a great feeling of accomplishment. It's been amazing to see how great of an impact the movie and my foundation 'Friends of Bethany Hamilton' has had on so many peoples lives."

Hamilton will spend a lot of time in the water in 2012, setting her focus on competing on the ASP Women's World Tour and progressing her big wave surfing.

"My surfing goals are to bring my full focus back to competing and finding the time to pursue bigger waves and tow surfing. I'm really looking forward to some surf-focused travel with the emphasis on barrels, fun and living the search."

"Outside of surfing, I'm keen to work on a travel TV show and obviously want to continue inspiring people to overcome adversity and live a healthy lifestyle."

Hamilton originally signed with Rip Curl in 1999 at age 9 after being scouted at a local Hawaiian junior surfing event.